Category: Guest Articles

GUEST ARTICLE: Why every smart building needs a security-first design strategy

One of the biggest challenges for architects and developers right now as they continue to embrace smart building technology, is that every connected system is also opening potential vulnerabilities. How to stay connected, and resilient. Drawing on insights from the SIA’s 2026 Megatrends Report, Richard Hilson of PFL – Access Management explores how architects and specifiers are successfully implementing security into design, rather than a late-stage technical addition…

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GUEST ARTICLE: Why construction’s ‘WhatsApp culture’ is costing firms 11% of their budgets

Avoidable rework now accounts for around 11% of total UK construction project costs. That figure should stop every commercial director in their tracks. Yet behind it sits a problem the industry still treats as routine: critical project decisions get made over WhatsApp phone chats, are buried in personal inboxes or written into a notebook that never makes it onto the project record. Rob Norton, UK Director at PlanRadar, writes the following article…

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GUEST ARTICLE: How a moisture management plan can prevent it from raining on your parade

Mass timber materials are playing an increasing role in UK construction projects because of their lower environmental impact compared to conventional materials, ease of installation and aesthetic advantages. However, there are few considerations when using mass timber, one of which is how to protect these materials from moisture. Dr. Mila Duncheva, Business Development Manager at Stora Enso, has more in this guest article…

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Planning Comfortable Sleep Environments in Multi-Occupancy Buildings

Student accommodation, HMOs and managed rental housing each present a different version of the same problem. Occupant profiles differ, usage intensity differs, and the compliance requirements attached to the furniture inside differ. When the sleep environment is poorly specified, the cost shows up in complaint volumes, unplanned maintenance, and shorter tenancies. When it is specified correctly, those costs are easier to control.

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GUEST ARTICLE: How Flexible Construction Is Reshaping the Future of Retail Spaces

The retail world is always changing to match how people live, work and play, and right now, it’s changing faster than ever. Customers don’t just go to stores to shop. They go for experiences like pop-up shops, brand events, live shows and community meetups. Because of this, retail spaces must be more than just places of business. They need to be adaptable to trends, generational interests and evolving consumer expectations. Contractors who build retail, hospitality and mixed-use spaces often see first hand how tenant needs evolve over time, which provides insight into how buildings can be constructed to remain adaptable. This is changing how retail projects are planned and built, as this guest article from Chase Manning, Principal at Dowdle Construction Group, explains…

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Why Steel Might Be Your Home’s Best Investment Yet

In an era where design meets long-term value, one material is emerging as both a statement of style and a sound investment: steel. Once reserved for industrial architecture, steel has become the defining feature of modern luxury homes and Insteel, a bespoke British atelier, is leading the charge.

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